[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8385]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REPORT FROM WHITLEY COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID M. McINTOSH

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 1999

  Mr. McINTOSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my ``Report from 
Indiana'' where I honor distinguished Hoosiers who are actively engaged 
in their communities helping others.
  Mr. Speaker, it has always been my strong belief that individuals and 
communities can do a better job of caring for those who need help in 
our society than the federal government. The wonderfully kind and 
committed Hoosiers who I have met traveling around Indiana have not 
changed my view.
  Ruthie and I have met hundreds of individuals who are committed to 
making our communities a better place in which to live and raise our 
children--we call them ``Hoosier Heroes''.
  I recognized this genuine Hoosier Hero in Whitley County, Indiana at 
a Lincoln Day dinner speech. She is Genny Walter-Thomson, whose 
devotion to her community has been unfailing. She has worked for 
decades to improve the lives of the mentally ill. By working tirelessly 
on behalf of the less fortunate, Genny epitomizes a Hoosier Hero.
  Genny's special love is for children. She has worked hard to build 
the new YMCA so the youth of this community can direct their energies 
in a positive direction. She also serves on the Welfare-to-Work board 
to help people with the transition from dependence to dignity.
  Genny's work has given many people the most precious gift possible, 
hope. She doesn't help people for the pay, which is zilch, she does it 
for the smiles and laughter. You are a true hero in my book, doing good 
works for others with no other motive than Christian charity.
  Genny Walter-Thomson deserves the gratitude of the country, state, 
and nation, and I thank her here today on the floor of the House of the 
Representatives.

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